Once viewed as the biggest star amongst a division filled with them, Vasiliy Lomachenko’s stock has dropped considerably over the years.
In 2020, having aggregated three of the four major world titles, Lomachenko, at least according to many, was considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Yet, following an upset loss to Teofimo Lopez, coupled with a protracted stint on the sidelines, the overwhelming belief is that Lomachenko has lost a step. That notion, ultimately, was only reinforced after his latest outing.
Fresh off a stint in the Ukrainian-Russian ongoing war, the former two-time Olympic gold medalist would return to the ring to eke out a close decision over Jamaine Ortiz. Having done so, Lomachenko will now stand across the squared circle from Devin Haney this upcoming weekend in a bid to become an undisputed champion.
Although the odds are seemingly stacked against him, Jermell Charlo has a hunch that the older Ukrainian will get the job done.
“Lomachenko beats Haney,” said Charlo on his Instagram Live. “Mark my words.”
Outside of what most prognosticators believe are deteriorating skills, Lomachenko’s age, 35, is said to play a gigantic factor in the overall outcome. Those who continue to point at his somewhat advanced age, however, are missing the boat in Charlo’s opinion.
At the age of 32, the undisputed junior middleweight champion has also become privy to that very storyline. But, in spite of his detractors stating that both he and Lomachenko have gotten long in the tooth, Charlo urges his fellow pugilist to put on his blinders and ignore the noise. With the Houstonian believing that both he and the Ukrainian have plenty left to give, he’s completely convinced that this Saturday night, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lomachenko will put on a show.
“Lomachenko beats Haney, call the man old if you want to. I’m old too.”